Does it seem like you can never get enough bread, pizza or pasta? This simple plan will help you conquer your carb cravings for good.

By Dr. Mehmet Oz

Photo: Thinkstock

Ever wonder why white carbs are so addictive? It has to do with chemicals that travel from the stomach to the part of the brain where you produce dopamine, a hormone and neurotransmitter that affects the brain’s pleasure and reward centers. Once these areas of the brain are stimulated, you’ll keep on wanting more of the addictive substance, whether it’s alcohol, drugs or carbs.

Too many refined carbs—baked goods, French fries or processed snack foods like chips and pretzels—are simply toxic for your body. They’re often responsible for visceral or omentum fat, the dangerous fat you can carry around your middle that actually inhibits your body’s ability to make insulin, which makes you more prone to diabetes. White carbs also increase your risk for cardiovascular disease and even cancer.

It takes 28 days to detox from most addictive substances, and refined carbohydrates, such as white flour and white rice, are no exception. This plan can help you break free of carbs. You’ll be amazed at how you’ll look and feel afterward, and you’ll have more energy and shave off unwanted pounds, especially around your midsection.